DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD

The Specialty Coffee Association UAE has officially concluded all seven of its National Coffee Championships, marking a significant milestone for the country’s rapidly growing specialty coffee sector.

The successful completion of the championship season reflects months of preparation, collaboration, and commitment from partners, sponsors, judges, volunteers, competitors, and the wider coffee community. Their collective effort has strengthened the UAE’s position as a serious contender on the global specialty coffee stage.

SCA UAE emphasized that the championships are more than competitions—they are platforms designed to nurture talent, encourage innovation, and raise professional standards across the industry. With each edition, the national stage continues to produce competitors capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.

UAE National Champions Set for the World Stage

Following the conclusion of the national events, SCA UAE proudly announced the champions who will represent the country at upcoming World Coffee Championships across multiple continents in 2026.

Cezve/Ibrik Champion

Jane Espante – Behind the Cup
Espante represented the UAE at World of Coffee Dubai (January 18–20, 2026) and secured victory at the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, delivering a landmark achievement for the nation.

Latte Art Champion

Jhomar Morales – Benchmark
Morales will represent the UAE at World of Coffee USA in San Diego (April 10–12, 2026).

Cup Tasters Champion

Adeola Peter Akingbade – Laura Coffee
Akingbade is set to compete at World of Coffee Asia in Bangkok (May 7–9, 2026).

Brewers Cup Champion

Ibrahim Al Mallouhi – The Espresso Lab
Al Mallouhi will take the UAE’s brewing expertise to World of Coffee Europe in Brussels (June 25–27, 2026).

Coffee in Good Spirits Champion

Mariam Erin – Brewing Gadgets
Erin will also compete in Brussels at World of Coffee Europe (June 25–27, 2026).

Roasting Champion (2026)

Raha Shahsavar – Crack Coffee Roastery
Shahsavar will represent the UAE at World of Coffee Europe in Brussels (June 25–27, 2026).

Barista Champion

Frederick Adam Ruben – Benchmark
Ruben will compete at World of Coffee Panama in Panama City (October 22–25, 2026).

Roasting Champion (2026)

Nizam Pasha Lolowang – Espressi
Lolowang holds the 2027 national roasting title, further demonstrating the depth of roasting talent emerging in the UAE.

Elevating the UAE’s Specialty Coffee Reputation

The breadth of categories—from Cezve/Ibrik and Latte Art to Roasting and Coffee in Good Spirits—highlights the maturity of the UAE’s specialty coffee ecosystem. Over the past decade, the country has evolved from a fast-growing market into a competitive force within the international coffee community.

SCA UAE extended its appreciation to everyone who contributed time, expertise, and trust throughout the championship season, underscoring that the strength of the industry lies in collective effort.

As these national champions prepare to step onto the global stage, they carry not only personal ambition but also the pride of an entire coffee community. With international audiences watching, the UAE’s representatives are poised to showcase the country’s craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

The world stage awaits—and the UAE coffee community stands firmly behind its champions.

UAE barista champion

SCA UAE Completes All Seven National Coffee Championships